Bachelor of Science - Respiratory Care

St. Catherine University is one of the few institutions in the upper Midwest to offer a bachelor's degree in the field of Respiratory Care. The Respiratory Care Major is offered in five consecutive semesters (including a summer session) for students in the College for Women. The Respiratory Care Major is also available to students matriculating in other Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities (ACTC). Respiratory Care Majors receive individualized advising to facilitate timely completion of their professional and liberal arts and science courses.

The Respiratory Care Program curriculum integrates the respiratory care courses with liberal arts and science backgrounds to provide students with a well-balanced depth of knowledge. This diverse foundation will prepare students to function as a competent professionals in their daily interactions with patients in various healthcare settings.

Students will learn the essential knowledge and skills required of a Respiratory Therapist in courses such as the following:

Respiratory Care Fundamentals

Pathophysiology in Respiratory Care I & II

Cardiopulmonary Critical Care I & II 

Respiratory Care Clinical Applications (series of courses)

Respiratory Care Clinical Specialty

With over 800 possible hours of clinical experiences in critical care, newborn and pediatric intensive care, pulmonary diagnostics and rehabilitation, and long-term acute care, students  actively collaborate with faculty and clinicians to develop well-honed respiratory care skills, critical thinking strategies, leadership skills, and professional communication skills. Clinical practicums are scheduled at nationally renowned metropolitan healthcare facilities such as HealthEast, Fairview/M Health, Park Nicollet, HealthPartners, Allina, North Memorial Medical Center, Hennepin Health, and Children's Hospitals of Minnesota.

St. Kate's Respiratory Care graduates are prepared to provide skilled patient care, influence the quality of healthcare services, promote cardiopulmonary health, and assume advanced positions in the profession. Upon graduation, most respiratory therapists are employed in acute care hospitals.